The Judge Pro Tem procedure enables the parties to go through a private and confidential trial of dispute. It closely resembles an actual court trial and procedurally they are termed identical. The only difference to actual litigation settings is that in Pro Tem, the parties would have agreed to a TAG neutral expert who would be a reputed ex-judge of the country, to sit as the “judge pro tempore” and render a decision.
A Pro Tem is held out of the public eye and in closed confidential settings. All law and motion matters, discovery disputes, case management conferences and also trials are heard by the Neutral Expert / Ex-Judge. Once it is completed, a judgment is rendered by the same individual.
It is the only mode of ADR which can be presided over by no-one other than an ex-judge. The ex-judicial officers on the TAG panel have several years of experience in passing balanced court mandated judgements in the subject matter relevant to your dispute. Most Importantly even though, it most closely resembles an actual court trial, it is an expeditious, confidential and a private resolution alternative.
All disputes which are fit for alternative dispute resolute (ADR) can be settled by Judge pro Tem.
Yes, the proceedings are confidential in nature.
Neutrals selected as private judges are appointed by a stipulation that is signed by the parties and filed with the Court. The Court then endorses the stipulation and the dispute is held in abeyance by the Court until a decision is reached.